Hotel Room Shortage Impacts Medical Travelers in Thunder Bay

This summer’s wildfires have caused chaos in First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario, leading to multiple evacuations and the complete loss of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.

People traveling to Thunder Bay for medical appointments are feeling the effects, according to the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNA), as hotels in Thunder Bay are quickly booking up. Those looking for places to stay include evacuees, emergency workers, and tourists visiting during the busy season.

Transportation and accommodation challenges have long existed for those leaving First Nations communities seeking health care unavailable at home, noted Monica Hemeon, vice-president of regional services for SLFNHA.

Additional issues also include medical transportation not being organized “in a timely manner” or patients not being notified about their appointments, Hemeon mentioned.

“We have communities reporting anywhere from 60 appointments missed in a month up to 150 appointments that we know of.”

Missed Appointments Are Serious

Hemeon pointed out that tourism events in Thunder Bay, like last week’s Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, have increased demand for hotel rooms, making it tougher for SLFNHA members to secure accommodations.

“Most of our communities are remote and fly-in accessible only. It is a big deal for people to miss appointments.. They need time to plan in advance, travel care, things like that.

“We were already facing a crisis before the fires intensified it and made it clear that there simply aren’t enough hotel options available in Thunder Bay. We deal with similar issues in Winnipeg as well,” said Hemeon.

An email sent last month by ISC acknowledged the lodging difficulties stemming from the wildfires.

“If your medical appointment is not urgent, we kindly ask that you consider contacting your health-care provider to see if your appointment can be rescheduled,” the email said. “It may be a few more weeks before the situation is resolved.”

The reached out to ISC regarding accommodation concerns.

“Wildfires in Northern Ontario have resulted in several community evacuations, which may result in reduced hotel availability in some areas,” it said in an email.

“We will continue working with clients and communities to support urgent medical appointments. However, limited hotel availability may affect our ability to arrange accommodations.”

Dangers for Health Outcomes

Hemeon shared that these situations significantly impact health outcomes for people living up north; they often face delays or end up canceling or rescheduling appointments due to lack of planning time or available places to stay.

“They’re already starting off at a disadvantage when it comes to access to care and the amount of hoops they need to jump through just to get out of their community for specialist visits especially.

“So when you add all these other layers like missed appointments before now coupled with trouble finding accommodations-it could really lead someone into serious health risks or even worse.”

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